District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 7.7.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense is a crucial legal instruction provided to jurors in cases involving personal injury claims in the District of Columbia. It addresses the concept of comparative negligence, which allows for the allocation of fault between the plaintiff and the defendant in determining liability and potential damages. Comparative negligence is a doctrine that recognizes that more than one party may contribute to a particular incident and subsequent injuries. Under this defense, the jury is tasked with assessing the degree of fault assigned to each party involved, including the plaintiff, in order to determine the appropriate compensation amount. This instruction guides jurors on how to approach the issue of comparative negligence. It prompts them to consider whether the plaintiff's own negligence contributed to their injuries and, if so, to what extent. By analyzing the actions of both the plaintiff and the defendant, the jury can assign a percentage of fault to each party involved. Types of District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 7.7.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense: 1. Pure Comparative Negligence: This instruction would apply if the jurisdiction follows the pure form of comparative negligence. In this case, even if the plaintiff is found to be predominantly at fault, they can still recover damages proportionately reduced by their assigned percentage of negligence. 2. Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Bar Rule): In jurisdictions following this form of comparative negligence, the plaintiff can only recover damages if their fault is determined to be 50% or less. If the plaintiff is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are barred from receiving any compensation. 3. Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule): This version of comparative negligence follows a higher threshold. The plaintiff is allowed to recover damages as long as their fault is determined to be 50% or less. However, if the plaintiff's share of fault reaches 51% or more, they are completely barred from recovery. It is important for jurors to carefully consider the evidence presented throughout the trial and make an informed decision regarding the percentage of fault assigned to each party involved. This instruction helps ensure a fair and equitable allocation of responsibility for the injuries sustained, ultimately influencing the compensation awarded to the plaintiff.